goodbye.

So I don’t know if any of you have heard the song “Those I’ve Loved” by Eric Church, but if you haven’t... go listen to it right now. The first time I heard this song I didn’t really think much of it but one day I found myself really paying attention to the lyrics and I realized what an interesting message the lyrics are sending. He goes through a few people in his life and just talks about how even if someone isn’t in your life forever, they can impact your lives just by passing through. There are two specific lines that I love:

“And I hope they know I never would have made it this far on my own.”

“Where would we all be without those fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers of friends I’ve made along the way?”

It’s true, people come into your life, even if it is just for a short amount of time, and can really make a difference. I know I wouldn’t be who I am today without the people in my life. Some people come into your life and stay there for a long time, but there are also people that you meet along the way that can shape your life. Sometimes I forget that we have the ability to learn more than we ever think from people in our lives and I think that is one thing I have truly learned here in Africa. I had to say goodbye to the Musana women this morning and it was the only time I cried saying goodbye to Uganda. Eve and Rosette specifically have forever changed my life. These women each have the personality of about ten people and are the strongest women I have ever met. I know I’ve mentioned them before, but these women were also our cooks at the house and part of Musana Jewelry. They have both been through so much and are not supported by their husbands. Rosette just kept hugging me saying “thantu for everything” and was balling. Eve didn’t really want anyone to see her cry so whenever she started to she would walk away. Me? I was just balling the whole time. They were killing me. I can’t believe how much I respect and love these women and I think the hardest part was the fact that I probably never see them again. Then I started thinking about that song and I realized that it is okay. They came into my life and helped me in ways I don’t even fully know right now. I think they think I helped THEM because I left them so many clothes but in reality they helped me more than they will ever understand. There were so many people in Uganda that changed my life and I will never forget them. I am so grateful for the people here and the stories they have shared with me. Before I came here people would tell me how Uganda is great but it is truly the people that they love. I started realizing that very quickly and saw how amazing the people here are. There is something about them. There are some cultural things I will never fully understand, but the spirit and brightness these people have showed me is something I will never forget.  

It is hard to believe that I am leaving Uganda today but I am leaving with no regrets. Six weeks in Uganda has taught me so much and I know my experiences and memories are going to last forever. This really was the trip of a lifetime and I feel so lucky to have had the experiences, both good and bad. It’s crazy to think back to the day we all got here... it feels like forever ago, but at the same time if feels like yesterday. Time really does fly and I have learned to cherish every day. Saying goodbye is hard but I am so excited to get back to America. Elise and I are flying to London tonight to spend a few days there with our mamas! 

I know this experience in Uganda WAS good for me and I know that I have met people and done things I will never ever forget. I think everyone needs to go to Uganda and experience what I did because I can’t even try to put everything into words. People here are humble and smart and beautiful. Africa has a special place in my heart and I am so sad to be leaving this amazing place again. Thank you to everyone who has been following my adventures and for being in my life! I am so grateful for everything and everyone in my life and I have loved spending time in this beautiful place. Goodbye Uganda! Thanks for the memories. 

where did time go?

I am sitting here wondering where my time here in Africa has gone. It is boggling my mind that I am leaving this country on Wednesday. I seriously can not believe it. Tay, Kar and Liv left today and it was the saddest thing. Watching them say goodbye to the Musana women was killing me. Seeing Eve and Rosette cry was killing me. These women have taught us so much about what it means to be strong, hardworking people and the fact that I will probably never see them again brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. It’s experiences like this that change our lives and I can truly say that I am changed forever. 

Last weekend we went on our safari and it was quite the experience. One of the guys here is helping this Ugandan man get his business up and running and his business just happens to be a safari company. So Nate got all of us this sweet deal and we were able to get the whole safari for $170 with food included. The cheapest any of us could fine was $300 without food included. SO needless to say the safari was done the ghetto way. We stayed in these like student housing dorm style things and it was honestly the worst night ever. We were in the middle of nowhere in a room FILLED with bugs and mice, gross beds, sweating all night. OH... and a door that didn’t lock! I slept with one eye open the whole night. It was quite the experience and I feel like me explaining it doesn’t do the craziness justice. We all just kept looking at each other like “WHAT are we doing?” But it was fun and we made it through so I guess in the end it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. TIA. This Is Africa. 

I want to share one story with you guys about a woman that I met this week. We had this huge health outreach on Wednesday in a village called Najjembe and we handed out 900 deworming pills to kids and taught about things like sanitation and malaria. I started talking to this woman and I realized she spoke amazing English for a person in Uganda. She was telling me about her and her son and how she just moved to this village from Gulu. Gulu is where Kony is from and where a ton of the involvement of the L.R.A. took place. Long story short... this woman was captured from 2000-2004, watched her husband die and got pregnant while she was captured and ended up having to put her in an orphanage. Her daughter is still in an orphanage in Gulu but she had to get out and somehow ended up in Najjembe. She starting balling telling us this story and begged us not to tell anyone. Can you imagine that? Having to leave your own daughter in an orphanage and not being able to see her because you can’t afford it? It was honestly the craziest experience listening to this woman talk about her life and not just hearing about stories in the news or from other people. It is people like this that make all the hard times in Africa worth it. I will never forget her and how strong she was. I feel so blessed that I will never have to go through anything even close to that. I feel so blessed to have the life I have. There are so many people here that have changed who I am and it is hard to believe my time here is coming to an end. These are the moments I love. 

crazy place we stayed on the safari

kids lining up to get de-wormed

safari 

teaching away...

love these Musana women!

this is Africa!

safari!

teaching at Proud To Be A Girl

Parasites, Musana and Missionaries

Yup... what would Africa be without getting a parasite??? Nothing. So I guess it’s good I got one. Everyone in the house had to get checked and I swear only about 2 people DON’T have one. They told us we got it through something we ate so it only makes sense that we all got it. But basically, today is the first day I am really feeling better. Being sick for a week in Africa is probably the most frustrating, miserable feeling I have experienced and it was hard not being able to do anything and all I wanted was to feel better. I woke up last Friday night throwing up AGAIN and I was just so confused because it had been a week since the first time. We had to wake up Nate and Stuart in the middle of the night and they gave me a blessing. At that moment I was so thankful for the priesthood and the fact that there are guys here that COULD give me a blessing. So now I am feeling sooo much better and man oh man I am happy. I felt like I was just wasting my time away here. 

Yesterday was the grand opening of the Musana Jewelry store! Karli, Taylor, Olivia, Elise and I have been working so hard on redecorating the front room so that all the jewelry could be on display. Before it had all been in baskets and no one was really able to see all of it. Musana is a company that some Help volunteers in 2009 started with a bunch of women that sit around and make the prettiest bracelets, earrings and necklaces. There are 7 women and they all are basically the sole providers for their families and so hard working. Eve and Rosette are our cooks and Betty does our laundry. I have grown to love them all so much and seen what strong women they are. The jewelry sells in the US and all the profits are sent back here to Uganda. SOOO the grand opening was amazing! The mayor and other town council members were there and it was a huge hit. They are so grateful for us and what we do here in the community.  We sang both the Uganda National Anthem and also our National Anthem and I’m not gonna lie, I got the chills. Listening to the words and realizing HOW lucky we are to be American was the most amazing feeling. 

A little shout out to all my best friends on missions right now. This experience has taught me to appreciate the lives missionaries live so much more than I have before. I feel like this has been a mini-mission in a way. I always love reading their letters because they have become so humbled and I can really understand it in a personal way now. My boy Elder Jackson said this in his letter this week:

“I think sometimes because of a lack of faith we dont do hard things because we dont see the blessings that will come.  I think i was a little dismayed just because this precious elder had no idea what he was going to be missing. He will never know. It just comes to show that we all have potential for greatness but our agency determines whether we fulfill that destiny. We just have to listen to the prophets and obey the word of God.”

WE CAN DO HARD THINGS. We really do all have the ability to do anything we put our minds to, it just depends on whether we actually do it. I have learned to truly have faith this trip because there were times when I felt like I would NEVER start feeling better. Obviously I knew I would, but it was hard to see an end to laying in bed.  I am so grateful for this guy and all my friends on missions. I miss my best friends but I can’t wait for all of them to come home soon! They are the best examples. 

Tomorrow we are off on a SAFARI and I just can’t wait. 

Two more weeks. 

MUSANA wall! 

Rosette made this necklace specifically for me! 

all the necklaces on display

the mayor cutting the ribbon

some of us after the grand opening

Betty!

just chillen at the Rainforest Lodge

love these girls! 

nobody said it was easy.

It’s true... as Colplay puts it, “nobody said it was easy”. I can’t explain how hard those words are hitting me right now. I know nothing in life is easy, but I can honestly say this is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Three weeks here, and three weeks to go and I have already learned so much. I know I grew up with a pretty privileged life and it was not until now that I fully appreciate everything I have in my life. I think about things I used to complain about or things that I thought were hard and I just laugh at myself. I have the best parents in the world who would do anything for me, and being here just makes me appreciate how grateful I am for family. Material things are great but not as great as things that truly last. I have learned that there are things in life that we can hold onto and those are the things that matter. Not to get too religious, but I also don’t know if I could make it here without the gospel. I have always loved it and had a strong testimony, but I believe that without the Lord I wouldn’t have the strength to be here right now. I believe that everyone has trials in life and everyone has to experience something out of their comfort zone, but I also believe that we aren’t given any trials we can’t handle. And that is why I know that I am supposed to be here right now. There are always going to be times in our lives where we struggle, but that makes us stronger. I know that I will come home from Uganda and stronger and humbler person. These people in Africa are teaching me a whole lot about the kind of person I am and the person I want to be. I hope everyone reading this really thinks about their lives right now and gives it a second look. I’m not trying to make you feel bad or anything, I’m just stating what I have learned and what I am feeling. 

This weekend was pretty rough too... I got super sick in the hostel we stayed at in Kampala on Saturday night and I was throwing up all night. I also was THAT girl throwing up in a taxi FILLED with Africans. At that point I can honestly say I thought I was going to die right then and there. I was balling and as pale as a ghost and I felt so helpless. I am doing better today, I just feel so weak. I have to lay in bed because if I stand up I feel like I am going to pass out. Let me tell you guys, being sick in a third world country just isn’t the best. About 10 other people in the house are sick too and one girl had to go to the hospital in Kampala last night and she has a parasite. They said it could be from the water in the Nile River and that we should get checked if we aren’t feeling better soon. So I guess I’ll keep everyone updated on that! 

A few weeks before I left someone told my mom that this trip would be good for me and when I heard that I just thought “umm what is that supposed to mean?” But I get it now. I get that this really is good for me and I get that this experience is something I needed. I needed my eyes to be opened and I needed this at this specific time in my life. These college years are all about learning and growing, and that is just what I am doing. I am learning and growing and it IS good for me. I know I will come home a different and hopefully better person. I just have to remember that struggles are temporary and we can always make it through. This is the hardest and best 6 weeks of my life. But then again, nobody said it was easy, right? 

I still love Africa and the people and life here, don’t get me wrong. I am loving helping these people and enriching their lives here. I just have to focus and remember what is important in life. All I want right now is Jamba Juice. So do me a favor... everyone have one in honor of me and enjoy what I can’t. This was deep, sorry guys... but I LOVE YOU ALL! 

testing people for HIV. amazing experience. 

we love our driver Fred. 

working with what we have here... mango salsa.

love this little cutie, Deborah. so smart and going places.

HELP volunteers at the Health Camp.

found my African cowboy

sick badges... check us out

loved working at this

I'm Learning.

I find myself constantly learning new things about Africa, cultures, families, life, people, myself, seriously EVERYTHING since I’ve been here. Being away from everything I consider familiar has taught me so much and I am loving it.

1. I’m learning that the people in Uganda are so SMART. For real, there are so many people here that blow my mind with the things they know and say. Some volunteers are teaching business classes to people here and it is crazy how knowledgeable these people already are. We met this man that started with 50000 shillings, which is like $25 and now owns 3 businesses and employs over 120 people. He pretty much started with nothing and now has been to California with TED Talks and is honestly a genius. He is working on different projects here to turn trash into fuel, which would be AMAZING! I think people classify people in Africa as not being smart, or successful and I’m starting to see how untrue this is. It’s crazy because I see how people here get stuck in a cycle or with a small dent in their lives and can easily give up. I am starting to see how people here just need a little push and motivation to encourage them because they really are so ready to succeed.
2. I’m learning to shower with buckets. It’s actually kinda fun. We usually just put our suits on and go outside... the water is always freezing but it is so hot here that it doesn’t even matter. It feels good! I will admit though, I can’t wait for the day I get home and take the longest shower of my life with HOT WATER! 
3. I’m learning to live in a house with 24 other people, and a room with 10 other people. I have only shared a room with someone else ONCE in my entire life, and that was a huge dorm. Soooo, this is new to me. It’s crowded but I am getting used to it.
4. I’m learning that here in Uganda, if you plan a meeting at 9am, it really means 9:45 or even later, or even not at all. The other day we had a meeting with 9 people and only 3 showed up. This is normal for them. I really struggle with being patient, so this is good for me. I usually get really frustrated if someone isn’t on time or doesn’t follow through with a plan, but I am being better at going with the flow.
5. I’m learning how grateful I am for my family. I always miss them when I am at school, but for some reason being across the world makes me miss them so much! I know I keep saying this, but we are sooooo lucky to live in the United States of America. There are so many cultural differences here between parents and children and I couldn’t be luckier to have the parents I have. Love you mom and dad! And Grantie too!
6. I’m learning to fall asleep smelling like bug spray, really hot, wearing close to no clothes, in a bunk bed and under a mosquito net. And also to prepare myself for the crazy dreams I will experience each night. For real, one of the side effects of the malaria pills we are all on is “vivid dreams”. Some people have had really graphic, violent dreams but I haven’t experienced that yet. Mine are just WEIRD. 

I’m learning a whole lot, but that is all for now. I’m so happy I am here... Time really is        flying and the locals here consider us Ugandan now. Well kind of. The people here still crack me up, the men here HAVE to make a comment to us and it is usually something like “take me to America” or a command like that. Today someone said “hello mzungo, buy me a soda”. It’s funny though and pretty much all you can do is laugh... I never feel unsafe because I am always with someone else. 

This weekend we are going to Kampala which is the capital of Uganda, so we are pumped! We somehow seem to find the best restaurants wherever we are... typical. But I mean you would too if you were having the same thing for dinner every night! Me, Elise, Taylor, Olivia and Karli have bonded so much and I love those girls! I love everyone here! We talk about reunions in Provo all the time and I can’t wait for those! I got here 2 weeks ago, today and I just crack up thinking about how out of it I was that day. Traveling for 3 days and all of a sudden in the craziest place, running on like 5 hours of sleep... I was such a mess! Culture shock at its finest. I wish I was a fly on the wall that day observing all of us! 

Oh this was pretty funny... I was on a boda the other day and my driver started talking about Obama and the election. He said “I think you will vote for Obama because of his foreign policy”... I was just cracking up. It’s funny listening to them talk about stuff like that and hearing what they have to say. 

LAND OF THE FREE! that's right. 

Well I guess these signs are motivational... 

Brian. the CUTEST little boy ever!

just dinner one night. fish... YUM. 

all of our shoes at the front door

my adventurous weekend!

I guess I’ll start with this... this weekend was SUCH a good weekend! I’m telling you guys, it was just what I needed. This week has been crazy and we have been working so hard on projects and getting things started and Friday rolled around we were all feeling a little homesick and just a little out of it. Someone had told us about the Nile Resort in Jinja where they let people go swim in their pool for 6000 shillings, which is like $3.... such a great deal. So we got some stuff done in the morning and then headed to Jinja for some swimming and laying out. It was sooo nice to relax and just chill and this super nice resort! After that we went to our favorite restaurant... Source Cafe! We walked in and there were tons of guys sitting there from Claremont McKenna and USC! Once again, it was like a taste of home. They are here building soccer fields for a few weeks. We saw them again today in Lugazi... too funny! 

So then Saturday we woke up early ready for a day of Bungee Jumping and rafting the Nile River! We got to this camp that is right on the Nile River and had the one of the prettiest views I’ve ever seen! Only a few of us bungee jumped, and I was seriously freaking out. I just couldn’t think about it and then I was fine. I was talking to my mom and dad about it and they thought I was crazy! But I mean come on, how many times will I have the opportunity to bungee jump over the NILE RIVER?!?! I had to do it. And I am so glad I did!!! They strap you in pretty tight so I felt secure, the only part I was freaking out about was the initial jump. I like to have something to hold onto when I am up really high so the fact that you just have to jump from 125 feet in the air was giving me slight anxiety. I got to the edge of the platform and the guide who was from South Africa was like “okay I’ll give you 5 seconds and if you don’t jump I’m going to push you” all I remember thinking was “holy crap I do NOT want this huge guy pushing me off of this” so I just jumped! I don’t even remember what was going through my head, but I was screaming the whole time. Half of my body went into the river and that was a little bit of a shock but it was still so cool! If you ever have the chance to bungee jump, I’m telling you... DO IT!!!! It is so fun! 

So I couldn’t stop there... rafting class 5 rapids on the Nile was next! There were six of us on a raft and our guide was really experienced and pretty funny. The first rapid we went through was called “Chop Seuy” and we actually went through it on accident, none of the other rafts went through it. We went through all the safety procedures before and our guide would tell us to paddle and then “GET DOWN AND HOLD ON!!!”... thats really how he said it, and let me tell you, we have never obeyed commands so quickly. We started going into it and all of a sudden I heard our guide say "oh no"...  So we went through the rapid and before I knew it he told us to get down and hold on and then all of a sudden we were flipped in the water! I was coughing up so much water but when we all came out of the water we were all just dying laughing! I was glad we flipped on the first one because from then on we were prepared for anything. We would only go through a rapid in between the calm water. It was sooo fun and I had such a blast! My first time rafting, and now I feel like nothing will ever compare If I go again! I got so sunburned and I was putting 85 spf on like every 30 minutes! The sun is STRONG here close to the equator. After rafting, we got to stay at the camp and it reminded me so much of all our safari camps we stayed at in Kenya! The common area with couches and a bar reminded me of our nights chillen in Kenya after the game drives. So fun! It was so nice to sleep in a nice bed and get HOT SHOWERS! We were all loving life so much, and I slept so well! It was just a nice getaway. 

So basically my weekend was so great, and just what I needed! I love that we get weekends off and that the girls I am with here are willing to do fun things like this too. I’ve been here for 10 days and only only have one month left! I knew time would start to fly once things got moving. It’s so fun meeting other people from America or Europe and talking to them about what they are doing here. There are so many different organizations that come to Africa and so many amazing people that want to help and it is so interesting learning about what other people are doing. We met a ton of medical students from South Carolina, some people that work with “operation christmas child”, and tons of other people doing so much GOOD in the world.  This is definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but also the best experience. I know it will be one of those things I look back on a realize how much I learned and how glad I am that I had to opportunity to do this. 

fresh fruit! 

6am and ready for our wild day!

passion fruit... MY FAVE.

our boda gang one day... so funny 

our new friends! 

i could eat here every day. 

beautiful Nile River! so pretty. 

the camp we stayed at.

I am loving mangos, pineapples, and passion fruit. There is a fresh fruit market right up the road and I think we go way to often but it is so delicious and fresh! Everything here is soooo cheap... how could we not get one of each a day?!